j.l. erickson design

Oxfam America 2010 Annual Report

2011-06-17T09:13:00.000-04:00

We shook up the approach to this year's annual report. With a new chairman of our board at the helm, we tried to take a fresh approach to the variety and organization of information that we offer our donors year over year. In the 2010 annual report we reorganized the structure to present readers with an opportunity to learn about who, what, why and where of how Oxfam works. Broken into sections that mirror our financial information, we broke down each area into bite-sized reports back about our work around the world, providing more fine-grained detail for a handful of select stories.

It was a tremendous undertaking for a report that was scheduled to be produced more quickly than any previous. The end result is one that I am tremendously proud of.

Open publication - Free publishing - More annual report

GROW!

2011-06-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

On June 1, 2011, Oxfam launched an international campaign. GROW aims to build a better food system: one that sustainably feeds a growing population (estimated to reach nine billion by 2050) and empowers poor people to earn a living, feed their families, and thrive. This brochure is intended for a popular audience, organizing the core information that the campaign is based upon and the solutions that Oxfam proposes by way of it's subtitle: Food. Justice. Planet.

Open publication - Free publishing - More brochure

A new logo

2011-06-17T08:45:00.000-04:00

In early spring I began working with a new client, metaMind INSTITUTE. The principal, Josh Summers, is currently an acupuncturist and yoga teacher who travels all over the world teaching. metaMind INSTITUTE "is dedicated to improving mind capacities for surviving and thriving in an adaptive environment." Needless to say it has been some truly inspired work. And, I couldn't have asked for a better client in the weeks leading up to my maternity leave from freelancing. Stay tuned for the design for their website.

2011 BoNE Show Award

2011-06-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

I am honored to have received an AIGA 2011 BoNE Show award last night for my work on OXFAMExchange magazine. The winners represent a humbling group of incredible designers that I am proud to be recognized among.

2010: A look back in logos

2010-12-31T11:42:00.001-05:00

In 2010, I was tasked with creating logos for four very different businesses—the results for which offer a wide variety of style, shape, and color. I consider logos to be among the most challenging projects, as clients often have a very particular goal in mind and as all of the elements in a cohesive lock-up carry the important task of setting the tone for the brand of the business that they represent.

OXFAMExchange Magazine

2010-06-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

Oxfam's thrice annual magazine distributed to 265,00 constituents.

Open publication - Free publishing - More oxfam america

Pediatric Dentistry // Rebrand and Website

2010-06-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year, I completed the launch of a new brand for a local pediatric dentist, Pediatric Dentistry, with offices in Marlboro and Concord, MA. What started with a logo, evolved into a full business identity suite, signage for their new office, and a simple, fun website, pediatricdentistrycm.com

http://www.pediatricdentistrycm.com

Oxfam's 2009 Annual Report

2010-06-29T14:51:00.002-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More oxfam america

2010 Muse and the Marketplace

2010-03-16T13:33:00.001-04:00

My annual contribution to the Grub Street spring conference, Muse and the Marketplace, is the graphic identity of the event featured on postcards and in ads on the MBTA. This year, the keynote speaker is Chuck Palahniuk whose book covers and style are quite iconic and inspired a gritty, yet elegant design. The concept: death of the printed book.

Fight poverty. Prevent disasters.

2010-03-16T13:22:00.000-04:00

Two months after the Haiti earthquake, we took time to ponder what made the impact of that disaster so devastating, particularly in the wake of the Chilean earthquake. In this video we explore what happened and why.

From Congo with Love

2010-03-16T13:17:00.001-04:00

The photographer, Rankin, took his second trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2009 to capture a series of portraits on the theme of love, in the war-torn country. This video is a compilation of some of those images and stories, with music from the first individual pictured.

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît

2009-09-16T19:35:00.008-04:00

It was a summer of invitations—weddings and events alike. Some of my favorite projects to do; each occasion is unique and the design approach fresh and exciting. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Boston Initiative to Advance Human Rights, "The Playground" Fundraiser
"The Playground" is a documentary that unveils the alarming sex trade and trafficking of children right here in the US. The event, a film-screening fundraiser held at the ICA Boston, called for a simple, modern design that subtly suggests the subject manner.

Keryn & Kevin's wedding invitation
Keryn & Kevin have a very special connection to their invitations—the lighthouse featured in the background is where they were engaged. A simple, elegant, late summer wedding on a boat out on the water in Boston Harbor, the invitations picked up the soft blues and silver (in the way of envelopes) of their color scheme.

Ashley & Maura's wedding invitation
Ashley and Maura were inspired by their fall wedding on Cape Cod—cranberry harvesting season. They were both drawn to a simple, pop-art inspired aesthetic which, led to this abstract interpretation of cranberries floating on the surface of a bog.

Kahootz Flash homepage animation

2009-09-16T19:24:00.004-04:00

From their site, "Kahootz is an eight member Boston-based band specializing in corporate, fundraising and private affairs such as weddings and anniversary celebrations. We are foremost a high-energy dance band but are equally adept at Boston- and Manhattan-style parties."

It was an exciting and inspired project that I hope will give viewers an impression of just how talented and passionate about good music this band is. (Click on the image to view)

Redesigned oxfamgifts.com launched

2009-09-11T10:30:00.003-04:00

I've been diligently working with an outstanding group of my communications colleagues here at Oxfam, to redesign the website for our gift giving program, Oxfam America Unwrapped. The bright color palette, vibrant imagery, and playful design have really enlivened the site. Here's hoping for a successful upcoming holiday season!

ACT FAST with Oxfam

2009-07-09T12:20:00.002-04:00

The newest addition to our campaigning initiatives, ACT FAST with Oxfam harnesses the power of numbers to beat poverty.

Open publication

A Flashy Collection

2009-06-13T09:40:00.011-04:00

Over the years I've amassed a decent amount of Flash work and recently completed an advance Flash Action Script for Designers course. Featured below is a selection of Flash projects I've completed; click each image to view the full flash piece.

The 2007 Oxfam America Holiday Card

Gaza Humanitarian Fund-raising Banner Ad

Oxfam's MySpace Animation

2008 Oxfam America Unwrapped Animation

International Women's Day Slideshow
Once on the Oxfam site, click on the image to begin the slideshow.

Spring 2009 OXFAMExchange

2009-06-12T10:34:00.001-04:00

Oxfam's thrice annual publication with a circulation of 265,000 supporters. In this issue Women and Climate Change, Mining in Peru, Housing in Bangladesh and an update on our work in Darfur.

Open publication - Free publishing - More peru

Smokey Hills BBQ

2009-06-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

A collaboration with a small start up catering company. I completed logo/business id development within the past month and created business cards. Next steps include template customization for the website and additional print collateral.

Wines for All Reasons launched

2009-06-06T11:47:00.000-04:00

Wines for All Reasons is live and looking amazing. Another great collaboration with Truly Good Design.

Sneak preview: Wines for All Reasons

2009-05-15T10:58:00.001-04:00

One of my most recent projects, working with a local wine tasting/wine shopping/business networking client, Wines for All Reasons. The website should be up within a week or so—for the meantime a couple of comps.

So many ways to get involved.

2009-04-02T10:11:00.001-04:00

It can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out how to solve the big and looming problems of the world, specifically when approached by an international NGO that works to end poverty, hunger and injustice. These, certainly, are no small tasks. Most people shy away when asked to get involved.

Our task was to create a piece that was enticing and concisely communicates the many different ways and levels of getting involved with Oxfam. The result is a light-hearted, tri-fold piece for use at any outreach event.

A guy who makes his living playing a wooden box.

2009-04-02T10:05:00.000-04:00

One of the most unique projects that I have had the pleasure to work on is my recent collaboration with cellist, Ben Sollee. His plan: to go on tour, biking from venue to venue on a fully equipped, super-bike with his Oxfam adorned cello-in-case attached. My challenge, to create custom stickers to for the back and front of his case to advertise Oxfam while he rode and played on stage. The results:

We believe music can change the world

2009-04-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

One of the most exciting and unique parts of my job is the work that I do with our music and concert outreach. Recently, I created a generic, packet-sized, music-themed piece that has been flying off the venue tables faster than we ever would have imagined. Working closely with my favorite editorial queen, Jane, we pulled together what we hope would be compelling and hip. It is a tri-fold piece, shown as you would open it below.

Social Networking Updates

2009-04-01T22:10:00.001-04:00

Oxfam's online presence has been a big source of constituent building. Recently, I designed our pages for Twitter and YouTube within their fairly limited customization capabilities.

Oxfam's Annual Report

2009-04-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

Oxfam's 2007 Annual Report published in the summer of 2008.

Open publication - Free publishing - More oxfam america

Exchange Magazine

2009-04-01T21:57:00.000-04:00

Oxfam's thrice annual magazine distributed to 265,00 constituents.

Open publication - Free publishing - More exchange

Muse and the Marketplace

2009-04-01T21:43:00.000-04:00

This year I was presented with the opportunity to once more donate my efforts to the nonprofit writers organization, Grub Street. Muse and the Marketplace is their annual conference that helps blossoming writers connect with professionals in the writing and publishing worlds. My task: Create a fresh and exciting design that captured the spirit of the conference. My inspiration: Saul Bass.

2009 The Muse & the Marketplace

An invitation adapting the Muse advertisement.

Exchange Magazine

2008-10-16T20:19:00.000-04:00

Oxfam's thrice annual magazine distributed to 265,00 constituents.

Get your own - Open publication

VOTE!!

2008-10-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

This piece was created for concert outreach, intended to educate young adults about the importance of voting, how to register and a brief overview of some critical issues from the perspective of some well-known artists and Oxfam. Click on the piece to view it legibly.

Get your own - Open publication

The 3rd Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

2008-10-16T20:11:00.000-04:00

Three years after Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, many residents are still struggling to rebuild their lives and their communities. This piece examines how the policy makers have fallen short. Click to legibly display the piece.

Get your own - Open publication

Climate Change Suite

2008-10-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

These pieces are part of a set of materials used to educate the public and policy makers on the affect that climate change has on poor people around the world. Click on either to see a legible version.

Get your own - Open publication